Test: Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II

Test: Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II

11/22/2023

If you peruse the vintage camera bins, thrift shops, and yard sales, as diligently and often as I do, you may have come across the strange-looking, awkward-to-handle, original Minolta 110 Zoom SLR “Mark I”. After launching in 1976, the Mark I caught people’s attention by its sheer uniqueness, and as the first feature-rich 110-format SLR. And Minolta sold many of them, until they released the Mark II in 1979…

The Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II is less well-known, possibly because it was launched late in the game, after people’s attention had wandered from 110 film devices, to newer, shinier objects, and larger film formats. Unlike the original version, the Mark II is easy-to-handle, like a miniaturized 35mm SLR. I really enjoyed shooting with it! Here’s a little gallery of the actual vintage Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II I tested with fresh 110 film:

I was quite pleased to get my hands on a Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II recently, excitedly popping a fresh cartridge of Lomography monochrome 110 film into it for some test shots. My super-brief, three-word, mini-review of this camera from a photographer’s point-of-view?

FUN! LOVED IT!

However, if you’re interested in a full review by someone who doesn’t love 110 film, but does an excellent job of detailing the Mark II’s features, click this link.

TEST PHOTOS:

Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II using Lomography ORCA Black & White / Monochrome 110 Film

TEST VIDEOS:

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Extras include: lenses, flashes, straps, carry cases, skins, storage, display options & more!

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TEXOLUX | PHOTO

PAGES & LINKS

New Cameras: Lomography, Analogue, Polaroid, Instax, NONS, MiNT & more.
New Films: CineStill, Ferrania, Film for Classics, FLIC, FOMA, FujiFilm, Harman, Ilford, Kodak, Lomography, Polaroid, Rollei Agfa, Street Candy & more.
Extras: lenses, flashes, straps, cases, skins, storage, displays & more.

OUR STORES

Shopify — NEW cameras, lenses, films & accessories

eBay — VINTAGE cameras, lenses, accessories & OPP

Barcelona — Collab with brick-and-mortar Cameras & Films

5 responses to “Test: Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II”

Lou Katz

11/22/2023

Why no date on this posting? Did you write it yesterday, last year, 1976? Without a date, this item is not very useful, with a date it might be very interesting.

Reply
1. Russ Murray
  
  11/22/2023
  
  Hi Lou, thanks for asking – I think the posting date was turned off on the blog! But it was shot and developed in the past month or so, posted today. The blog post URL actually contains the posting date…
  
  Reply
  1. Lou Katz
    
    11/22/2023
    
    Thanks for your reply. I have been disappointed by so many posts and search results not having a date, since it often matters. I have been thinking whether reanimating my film cameras was possible and was surprised to discover that film and development were still there.
  2. Russ Murray
    
    11/22/2023
    
    Welcome! I have the same issue as I do my own research. Turned on the dates for the blog. I’d say definitely “reanimate” (love the word) your film cameras, even if 110 format and grainy!
  3. Russ Murray
    
    11/22/2023
    
    Let me know if you want referrals to labs that specialize in the film you want to use! Or if you want to buy film for your cameras 🙂